57 Interesting Facts About Estonia

Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia, is a country in Northern Europe. It covers an area of 45,228 square km. Tallinn is its capital and largest city. Estonian is the official language of the country. Its official currency is Euro (€) (EUR). Its three bordering countries are Latvia, Russia, and Finland. Estonia is a mostly flat country on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. The capital has a preserved Old Town, museums and the 314 m-high Tallinn TV Tower’s observation deck. Let’s explore more about this country!

57 Interesting facts about Estonia

1. Saaremaa, an oak tree in the middle of a football field in Orissaare, won European Tree of the Year Award in 2015.

The award winning oak tree–Saaremaa–in the middle of a football field in Orissaare. Legend says two of Stalin´s tractors tried to pull it out of the ground, but the cables kept breaking. It still has marks from the cables

2. The country also has the highest number of startups per capita in Europe.

3. Estonia adopted the Euro on January 1, 2011.

4. Estonia is also the birthplace of the first Christmas tree.

5. The Estonian system for public use is so easy that you could easily file your income tax return in less than 10 minutes or register your company through the internet in less than 5 minutes.

Flag of Estonia

The national flag of Estonia. Description: Three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun. Source – CIA

6. It was ranked third in press freedom economy in 2012.

7. Estonia since joining the European Union has become an increasingly important transshipment zone for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic drugs.

8. The name of the country comes from the “Ests” the settlers in the region.

Unique things about Estonia

9. The country is also the first country in the world to have implemented a flat tax system.

10. It is a law in Estonia to have safety reflectors attached whether you are walking or biking during the night time or when the visibility is inadequate. The reflector can be pinned to your handbag, coat or any other suitable place where it is easily spottable. Otherwise, you could be fined up to 400 EUR.

Safety reflectors for Pedestrians. Image credit – news.err.ee/

11. Did you know that Estonia is one of the least religious countries in the world? Only 16% of its population was found to be an adherent of some form of belief during a 2005 poll.

12. Estonia is also among the cleanest places on the planet earth to breath.

13. Almost 50% of its territory is covered with forests and 22% is under agriculture.

14. It is also the third country in the world after Finland and Canada to have the maximum area covered under natural mires.

The Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) also known as the common brown bear, European brown bear or European bear, descending the slope.

15. Estonia also belongs to the group of countries with the largest density of large predators in Europe. If you are lucky, and lucky enough, you could sight wolves, lynxes and brown bears in the country.

Skype office building in Tallinn, Estonia. It is famous internet voice connector and messenger. Company was created in Tallinn in 2003. Photo: Evgenia Bolyukh / Shutterstock.com

16. Did you know that Estonia is the birthplace of Skype? Yes, there is no doubt that Estonia is a technologically advanced nation and internet focused as mentioned in the fact above.

17. The country also produced a Chess Grandmaster – Paul Keres. Upon his death in 1975, an estimated 100,000 people attended his funeral.

18. Now, do not be jealous after learning the fact that public transportation in the capital Tallinn is free. Yes, that’s true for the registered residents of the city. This sort of arrangement also benefits the environment as there are fewer cars on the roads of the capital now than before. And more registered residents means more tax revenue for the capital as well. What a good idea!

19. Even if the amount you spend in Estonia is insignificant, you would always get a receipt.

20. It is also a law in Estonia for motor vehicles to use dipped headlights during the day.

21. Business cards are pinned on the wall of the airport in Tallinn. You can stick your own business card on the wall and pick the one that is of interest to you. It’s a great way to network with people and find useful stuff. Really cool, isn’t it!

Random facts about Estonia

Tartu, Estonia. Front facade of main building of University of Tartu, one of the oldest in Europe (founded 1632). Translation from Estonian National University 100. Photo: Ingrid Pakats / Shutterstock.com

22. The second biggest city in the country—Tartu—is also known as the intellectual capital of Estonia. The city was founded by Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus in 1632.

23. Estonians are very beautiful. This statement can very well be supported by the fact that Estonia has the highest number of supermodels per capita in the world.

24. The tallest mountain–Suur Munamägi–in the country is just about 1000 ft in height.